Emerging Leader of the Year
Given the calibre of the up-and-coming leaders within the sector, the future of cooperatives and mutuals in New Zealand is bright. This award is presented to an individual under the age of 35 who is making their mark on the cooperative community. The winner is invited to join the Cooperative Business NZ board in a 12 month Board Observer role.
Award Criteria
This award is presented to an individual aged 35 and under who is making their mark within their member organisation.
It aims to recognise contribution through innovation, driving best practice, collaboration or cooperation.
This award is open to individuals working within or a member of an organisation that is a Full, Provisional or Corporate Associate Member of Cooperative Business NZ.
This IYC2025 initiative recognises the vital role that governance plays in the ongoing success of cooperatives. The winner of the Emerging Leader of the Year award is invited to join Cooperative Business NZ Board as a Board Observer for the following calendar year, to develop their governance skills and deepen their cooperative networks.
Emerging Leader of the Year winner 2025
Isabel Schmahl - Agri Manager, Northern Southland, Ravensdown
The Emerging Leader of the Year Award celebrates rising talent across New Zealand’s cooperative sector, people already showing the vision, curiosity, and community spirit that will shape our movement’s future.
Our 2025 recipient, Isabel Schmahl of Ravensdown, is an Agri Manager for Northern Southland whose passion for farming and sustainability has made a lasting impression on her clients and peers.
Originally from Germany, Isabel has embraced life in rural New Zealand, combining technical excellence with empathy and genuine care for the people she serves. In just a few years she has been named Ravensdown Rookie of the Year and the NZIPIM Emerging Rural Professional of the Year, achievements that reflect both her intellect and her heart for cooperation.
Active in Young Farmers, the Dog Trial Club, and industry committees, Isabel gives back to the communities she serves and embodies the cooperative principle of concern for people and place.
Hall of Fame - past winners
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Ashleigh Buchanan
Operations Manager People Capabilities, Southern Cross Health Society
CBNZ Board Observer 2025
Emerging Leader of the Year 2024 -
Harriet Bell
Head of Key Accounts and Sales Experience at Farmlands
Emerging Leader of the Year 2023 -
Lloyd Setter
Chief Operating Officer, Rabobank New Zealand
Emerging Leader of the Year 2022 -
Ben Ross
Branch Manager, MG Group
Emerging Leader of the Year 2021 -
Katie Vickers
Former Head of Sustainability and Land Use, Farmlands
Emerging Leader of the Year 2020